Judges 14:16

Then Samson's wife came to him, weeping, and said, "You hate me! You do not really love me! You have posed to my people a riddle, but have not explained it to me." "Look," he said, "I have not even explained it to my father or mother, so why should I explain it to you?"

Study Bible

Then Samson’s wife came to him, weeping, and said,
Samson's wife, a Philistine woman from Timnah, approaches him in tears. This reflects the emotional manipulation often seen in relationships where one party seeks to gain something from the other. In the cultural context, women had limited power and often resorted to emotional appeals to influence their husbands. The weeping indicates the seriousness of her request and her desperation, possibly due to pressure from her people.

“You hate me! You do not really love me!
Her accusation of hatred and lack of love is a tactic to elicit guilt and compliance. In the ancient Near Eastern context, love and loyalty were crucial in marriage, and questioning them was a significant charge. This reflects the tension between personal relationships and cultural or familial obligations, a recurring theme in biblical narratives.

You have posed to my people a riddle, but have not explained it to me.”
The riddle Samson posed was part of the wedding feast, a common practice in ancient times to entertain guests. The riddle itself, based on his encounter with the lion and the honey, symbolizes the secretive and enigmatic nature of God's plans, which are often hidden from human understanding. Her reference to "my people" highlights her divided loyalties between her husband and her Philistine kin.

“Look,” he said, “I have not even explained it to my father or mother,
Samson's response emphasizes the importance of family ties and the trust inherent within them. By stating he hasn't even told his parents, he underscores the riddle's significance and his own sense of loyalty and secrecy. This reflects the biblical theme of the family unit as a primary social structure, often used to illustrate spiritual truths.

so why should I explain it to you?”
Samson's rhetorical question points to the hierarchy of relationships and trust. In the biblical context, this highlights the tension between marital and familial obligations. It also foreshadows the eventual betrayal by his wife, paralleling the later betrayal by Delilah, and serves as a type of Christ, who was also betrayed by those close to Him. This phrase underscores the theme of trust and betrayal that runs throughout the narrative of Samson's life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samson
A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, given by God, and his Nazirite vow. His life is marked by personal weaknesses and struggles with temptation.

2. Samson's Wife
A Philistine woman from Timnah whom Samson marries. Her relationship with Samson is fraught with tension and manipulation, as seen in this verse.

3. Philistines
The ruling people in the region during Samson's time, often in conflict with the Israelites. They are the recipients of Samson's riddle.

4. Timnah
A Philistine town where Samson's wife is from and where the wedding feast takes place.

5. The Riddle
A challenge posed by Samson to the Philistines during his wedding feast, which becomes a source of conflict and betrayal.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Unequally Yoked Relationships
Samson's marriage to a Philistine woman illustrates the challenges and spiritual dangers of forming close relationships with those who do not share the same faith and values.

The Power of Manipulation and Deceit
Samson's wife's tears and accusations are a form of manipulation, reminding us to be wary of emotional manipulation in our relationships.

The Importance of Trust and Communication in Marriage
The lack of trust and open communication between Samson and his wife serves as a cautionary tale for married couples to prioritize honesty and transparency.

The Consequences of Ignoring Godly Counsel
Samson's decision to marry a Philistine woman, against his parents' wishes, shows the potential consequences of ignoring wise and godly counsel.

The Role of Personal Weakness in Spiritual Battles
Samson's susceptibility to emotional manipulation highlights the need for self-awareness and reliance on God's strength in overcoming personal weaknesses.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Samson's relationship with his wife reflect the broader theme of Israel's relationship with surrounding nations?

2. In what ways can we guard against manipulation in our personal relationships, and what biblical principles can guide us?

3. How does the account of Samson and his wife challenge us to evaluate our own relationships and their impact on our spiritual walk?

4. What lessons can we learn from Samson's life about the importance of heeding godly advice and counsel?

5. How can we apply the principles of trust and communication from this passage to strengthen our own marriages or relationships?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 16:4-5
Samson's relationship with Delilah mirrors his wife's manipulation, highlighting a pattern of personal relationships leading to his downfall.

Proverbs 7:21-23
The seductive and manipulative nature of Samson's wife can be compared to the warnings about the dangers of succumbing to temptation and deceit.

Genesis 2:24
The tension in Samson's marriage contrasts with the biblical ideal of unity and trust in marriage.